Expert Building Design in Paddington

Paddington is a suburb celebrated for its iconic Victorian terraces, boutique shopping strips, and leafy streets. Known as one of Sydney’s most fashionable and heritage-rich areas, it offers a vibrant lifestyle just minutes from the CBD. With strong heritage protections and a high demand for luxury living, building design in Paddington requires a refined approach that respects the past while embracing modern functionality.

At DMR Designs, we specialise in Paddington building design that enhances the character of its famous terrace-lined streets. Whether it’s restoring heritage façades, extending compact homes, or creating high-end contemporary spaces, we ensure every design complements the suburb’s unique streetscape.

Our expertise in building design in Paddington ensures compliance with City of Sydney Council controls, including strict heritage conservation requirements. We focus on balancing modern liveability with the area’s historic charm, creating homes that are as functional as they are timeless.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Paddington?

  • Heritage Expertise: Designs that respect Paddington’s conservation precincts.

  • Luxury Living Solutions: High-end finishes and layouts for modern lifestyles.

  • Compact Site Optimisation: Creative layouts for narrow terrace lots.

  • Council Navigation: Skilled at handling City of Sydney Council heritage approvals.

  • Sustainable Practices: Eco-friendly upgrades without compromising character.

With DMR Designs, your Paddington building design will seamlessly integrate heritage charm with contemporary sophistication.

Sydney Council Requirements for Building in Paddington

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R1 General Residential

    • B4 Mixed Use

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks generally align with established terrace rows

    • Side and rear setbacks vary by dwelling type and lot size

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Terraces: 100–180 sqm

    • Duplex/townhouse sites: 150–250 sqm

  • Key constraints:

    • Strict heritage overlays across much of the suburb

    • Height controls to preserve streetscape character

    • Limited parking and access restrictions

  • Utilities available:

    • Fully serviced with water, gas, sewer, electricity, and NBN

Building in Paddington requires designs that balance luxury living with heritage protection, while meeting all City of Sydney Council guidelines.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Sydney Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Paddington Project?

Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you in finding the fastest and most compliant approval pathway—anywhere in New South Wales.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most works due to heritage controls.

  • Applies to terrace renovations, extensions, and new builds.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Rarely suitable due to heritage restrictions.

  • May apply to small internal works without external impact.

Need help figuring out which route suits your site? We’ll assess your block and walk you through your options.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Paddington

  • Paddington is dominated by Victorian and Federation terraces, often renovated for modern living.

  • Yes, but council approval is required, and designs must respect height and heritage guidelines.

  • Yes, but they must be carefully integrated within the heritage context to gain approval.

  • While we know the Sydney area well, we also work across many suburbs within the City of Sydney, including Redfern, Surry Hills, Ultimo, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the City of Sydney Council area.

  • Cost depends on the scope of your project. We’ll walk you through pricing during your discovery call so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to take the next step?

From inner-city terrace renovations to modern apartment designs, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Sydney project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Paddington

We provide tailored building design in Paddington, including terrace restorations, heritage-sensitive extensions, and high-end townhouses. Our designs ensure compliance while delivering spaces that reflect both character and lifestyle.

From consultation through to council approval, our Paddington building design services deliver unique, stylish, and compliant solutions.

What to Expect: Our Building Design Timeline

A step-by-step look at how we take your project from concept to council approval and beyond.

Every project starts with a discovery call and ends with council-approved, build-ready plans.

Here’s how we make it easy from start to finish:

Step 1 - Discovery Call

  • Let’s chat! We’ll have a quick call to understand your project and see how we can help.

Step 2 -Site Visit & Consultation (5–7 days)

  • We’ll meet at your site (or virtually), take a closer look, and discuss your vision in detail.

Step 3 - Fee Proposal (2 days)

  • You’ll get a clear, no-surprises proposal with the scope, timeline, and costs.

Step 4 - Concept Design (4 weeks)

  • We’ll create initial design ideas and layouts tailored just for you.

Step 5 - Design Development & Expert Coordination (2 weeks)

  • We’ll fine-tune the design and collaborate with any needed specialists (engineer, energy consultant, town planner, geo tech engineer, bushfire, heritage consultant, etc).

Step 6 - Final Adjustments (1 week)

  • We’ll polish everything and prepare the final drawings for submission.

Step 7 - Submission for Approval

  • We handle the council or certifier submission, so you’re ready for the next steps.

Want the full breakdown?

View our detailed process here.

From Plans to Reality: See How It All Comes Together

Our Paddington projects showcase how thoughtful design can breathe new life into heritage homes, creating modern living spaces that retain the suburb’s timeless charm.

Portfolio

⇨

Home Designs

⇨

With DMR Designs, your Paddington building design will reflect the best of tradition and innovation.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Paddington?

We’re here to help you take the next step, whether you’re

starting fresh or upgrading your Sydney home.

We’d love to hear what you have in mind. Book a discovery call or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.

Not based in Paddington?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire City of Sydney. From Redfern and Surry Hills to Ultimo and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.